Source: Team_Talk
Ford thrilled with cup exploits
The Honest Men led through a 10th-minute goal from Bryan Prunty but Ford netted twice and Mehdi Taouil also scored as Killie booked a trip to Inverness.[LNB]Ford told Sky Sports: "I'm not one for scoring goals - I go out all the time and put them over the bar and miss easy chances.[LNB]"But I'm delighted to get two goals tonight and I'm delighted for us to be through.[LNB]"We were disappointed to draw at their place but we showed our quality today, even though I was disappointed with our first-half performance."[LNB]Bryan Prunty controversially put Ayr ahead in the 10th minute of an enthralling fourth-round replay at Rugby Park when he appeared to use a hand to knock the ball past Killie goalkeeper Alan Combe.[LNB]Ford added on Sky Sports 1: "I should have dealt with their goal earlier and tried to atone for the mistake in the second half.[LNB]"I was desperate to score, as you can see from the celebration."[LNB]Taouil and Ford netted, after David Fernandez had been dismissed for appearing to strike Ayr defender Martyn Campbell.[LNB]Fellow striker Allan Russell said: "Obviously the last game wasn't great - we should have won it but didn't.[LNB]"But all credit to us - we showed a bit of character tonight.[LNB]"Red cards happen; you know in your mind you have to work harder to protect the lead - and we did that.[LNB]"Inverness away is a tough one - they've all got a point to prove and may have a new manager by then. But with the right attitude, we hope we can get through to the next round.[LNB]"But it will be back to business tomorrow for us. We've got a game on Sunday - so it'll be home, bed, then training in the morning."[LNB]Killie boss Jim Jeffries added on Sky Sports 1: "We wound David (Fernandez) up and said it was the best thing that could have happened.[LNB]"He said he didn't touch him [Campbell], but my first impression was 'you're off' - he swung an arm, and it was really silly. But passions run high in derby matches.[LNB]"Simon deserves a lot of credit for clinching it for us.[LNB]"We did it the hard way and continued to do what we were doing - and we got the goals.[LNB]"Down to 10 men, we were superb. We were the better team tonight, and that showed. But they were dogged and had something to hold on to.[LNB]"I think we deserved to be through to the next round but I hope they [Ayr] go on and get promoted - because they caused us problems in the two games."[LNB]Ayr boss Brian Reid said: "We held our own for long spells, but superior finishing at the end cost us.[LNB]"We've defended well most of the season, but I said to the lads tonight 'you have got to be even more focused'.[LNB]"There were a couple of great deliveries. But we switched off, and to lose goals in that manner is disappointing.[LNB]"We certainly worked very hard but we'll learn from this. There are a lot of young boys in the team, and I hope this can help further their careers too."[LNB]Prunty went off with an injury shortly after his goal, and Reid added: "Some decisions go for you, but it was a blow to lose him.[LNB]"It upsets your rhythm a wee bit when have to make changes - but I don't think it was an overall factor.[LNB]"Our main aim is to gain promotion, and the players need to focus on Sunday's big game (at home to Arbroath).[LNB]"We had magnificent support tonight - 4,100 of them - and if we can give them promotion to cheer this season I'd be delighted."[LNB][LNB]
